Cape just became an Apple Authorized Reseller. This is a big deal for us, not only because it enables us to sell iPhones directly from Apple, but also because Cape iPhone users will now enjoy a first-class experience.
That’s because, starting with iOS 27.2, released on October 26, 2026, Apple now bakes in a Cape “carrier bundle,” a small configuration package that tells an iPhone how to behave on our carrier network. For example, this carrier bundle allows IMSI rotation to work alongside Voice over WiFi and RCS messaging. Because Cape does things that no other carrier does, we had to do extra work with Apple to ensure that both basic functionality and unique privacy features work well with each other.
Most mobile network virtual operators, or MVNOs, rent capacity from one of the three major mobile network operators, or MNOs, and effectively rebrand that parent network. They ride off of the MNO core infrastructure and inherit the MNO’s SIM profiles and carrier bundle. Cape, however, is the only MVNO that, for privacy and security reasons, operates our own core network. We rent cell tower capacity but manage our own SIMs and run all subscriber traffic through our own mobile core. And that meant that we could not use the carrier bundle of either of our two MNO partners, and had to get our own.
Here are some of the experiences that get unlocked by the carrier bundle:
- IMSI rotation compatibility with Voice over WiFi
- IMSI rotation compatibility with RCS
- End-to-end-encrypted RCS
- Faster iMessage activation
- Group text messages work as expected (no longer dethreading when there is an Android user in the group)
- 5G Auto enabled by default
- International roaming enabled by default when traveling abroad
- Automatic eSIM download without needing QR or activation codes
- eSIM Quick Transfer from your old iPhone to your new iPhone
If you’re a current Cape customer using iPhone, make sure to update your operating system to iOS 27.2 (go to iPhone Settings > General > Software Update).
If you’re joining Cape now with your iPhone, ensure that you’re on iOS 27.2 before signing up.
In the near future, we will also have:
- Satellite messaging via iMessage or SMS
- Spam reporting to 7726
- iPhone Handoff
Next year, we’ll be working on enabling Cape for more Apple devices.
Now Cape customers get leading privacy from both their phone and carrier, without having to compromise on functionality and experience.
Share it
